The Lesson
The world is the world, and these days almost everyone shops online. It’s easy. It’s convenient. It’s mostly cheaper. And there are infinitely more choices. I do it as well. But generally speaking, I like going to stores, picking up the goods, looking at them, getting a feel for the product, and talking to the clerks. Plus, it’s nice to have someone thank you when you check out. Of course, there’s a cost.
Yesterday, I wanted an external CD Drive and a book. I could have bought both at home in 30 minutes on my computer and waited two days to get them. But I wanted them now, so I went old school. The trip took three hours with stops at two stores and lunch. I found a drive, but my book was out of stock. They’ll call me when it comes in. I bought another book instead, on a whim. I drove about 100 miles round trip. The IRS mileage deduction is 72.5 cents. That’s a hard hidden cost of seventy bucks worth of gas and wear-and-tear on my car. In addition, my time has value, about $26 at minimum wage because the trip took three hours.
I don’t know what I thought this little adventure would prove when I set out yesterday, but it’s shown me I could probably do a better job of husbanding my resources. For instance, I’d totally overlooked the cost of driving. It’s nice to talk to people, but there’s obviously a price to pay. I don’t like being isolated in my little castle, but I like being in it. So, I have to accept the tradeoffs or move closer to a population center. It reminds me of that phrase my mother used to say, “You can’t have your cake, and eat it, too.”